Publications

RCSS Policy Studies 65: Initiatives of Climate Action in South Asia: The Case of Sri Lanka

Organisation: RCSS

Authors: Sadani Maheshi and Malinda Pathinayake
Research Themes:
Environmental security and climate change
Type: Policy Reports
31 October 2023

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Climate action refers to the collective efforts and measures that are taken by individuals, organizations, and governments to mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable development. At the local, national, and global levels, it encompasses a wide range of activities, policies, and initiatives designed to address the causes and consequences of climate change. Taking action against climate change is a necessity if we are to protect the planet’s ecological balance, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure a sustainable future for the generations to come. Climate action is urgent because of the scientific consensus that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are causing an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn makes climate action imperative. These emissions trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and a wide array of adverse impacts, including rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems. The following graph indicates the rising of average temperature on earth since the late 1970s. According to the provided statistics, it is clearly seen that the average world temperature has risen by 1.8°F during the 1880s (University of Boston, 2016).